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Wednesday, 14 August 2013

I don't know how many rivers Singapore has, but there is only one I know and should not missed out in Singapore--Singapore River. The most famous river in Singapore, aslo fondly known as "The River", the Singapore River spans 3.2 km from the sea to it's upper reaches in Kim Seng Road. The Boat Quay banks in 1823 were first to have offices, wharehouses, godowns and jetties; then subsequent developments continued up-river, along the banks of Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, and later even further upstream, near the upper reaches and the Source of the Singapore River. What is the best way to visit Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay in one shot from a best angle?

How about jumping onto a river taxi a.k.a Singapore river cruise? The following are my experience on Singapore River Cruise:

Clarke Quay

Our river cruise started with Clarke Quay. In the early 1980s, clarke quay was a noisy scene of "tongkangs" (bumboats) and "twakows" (lighters) jostling bow and stern for a place to dock And unload their cargoes. Lying near the mouth of the singapore river, the site of clarke quay was the centre of commerce during the late 19th century.

Today, Clarke Quay is still buzzing with life and activity. The waterfront godowns now play host to a colourful kaleidoscope of restaurants, wine bars, entertainment spots and retail shops. The bustling market atmosphere of bygone days comes alive amidst the rows of charming shophouses, and five-foot-way merchants.

The emotive quality to Clarke Quay could best be described as celebratory. In the day, you can immerse yourself in discovering refurbished warehouses packed with curios, gifts and speciality shops.

In the evening, Clarke Quay becomes a huge night bazaar where you can lose yourself in a maze of restaurants.

Clarke Quay is a delightful mix of modern and traditional. A reminder of its rich heritage is reflected in the vibrantly orchestrated concept. Their vision - an innovative approach which boldly reflects the heritage and charm of Clarke Quay.

Boat Quay

Evening time when the neon lights beckon, colourful facades and playful thematic restaurants and pubs turn Boat Quay into the River's most appealing pedestrian walk. Take the time to enjoy the intoxicating blend of cocktails and cosmopolitan array of mouth-watering cuisine, which will satisfy even the most finnicky eater.

Imagine that only a century ago, sun-tanned coolies and swaylos (water-hands) balanced heavy gunny-sacks of rice over their shoulders, with springy gangplanks under their feet, loading and unloading a bewildering plethora of produce. When Raffles signed the agreement securing the auspicious title of free port for Singapore, this instantly triggered a landslide of immigrants from neighbouring countries. Within six months, Boat Quay became a hothouse for trading, and in the 1860's, three quarters of all shipping businesses were done at Boat Quay. Here was the starting point of all that is Singapore today; affluent, hardworking and adamant on success.